Hi, my name is Gina & I am a running enthusiast!
I say enthusiast because I am not the fastest runner or the best runner; I just love to run, and I love talking about running too.
We will support you to be stronger than your strongest excuse!
My running journey started 6 months after my second child was born
Why did I start running? To get fit, to lose weight, to race?
No, I started running because, with 2 boys under the age of 2, I needed to get out of the house to save my sanity and preserve my mental health!
I certainly didn’t love to run at the beginning. However I persevered, and I pushed myself with my mantra of ‘The first steps are the hardest. Once you’re out you’re out, and there’s no going back’.
Twelve years later, I love running
I love to run socially, as part of a club. I also love racing and of course, I still love my solo runs. In fact, one of my key goals for Gfit Life is to build our own running community.
A supportive community where we can celebrate the highs and the lows of running, share running routes and tips.
We know that there are a plethora of running plans on the Internet, but what we can do that the Internet can’t support is encourage, celebrate successes and of course, hold each other to account to follow those training programmes.
We can support you to run faster
Is your aspiration to run 5km in under 25 mins or a 10km in under 50 mins?
Running flat out 3 times a week will not make you faster. Intervals, hill reps, threshold runs, and of course, easy runs all help you to achieve your goals and, crucially, keep you motivated too.
If you’re new to running, we will start slowly and build you up at your own pace. Pushing too hard too soon can often demotivate.
We will get you there and it will feel so good!
✺ lets celebrate!
To the long-distance runners out there, share your runs with us, they should be celebrated!
We can give you specific leg strengthening exercises, warmups, and cool downs.
If you are already running 2/3 times a week and can comfortably run 3/4 miles you can run the Stroud Half Marathon!
Share your running programmes with us
Do you include cross-training in your weekly programme? What is your core strength? All crucial elements to keep those injuries at bay. Throughout the year we will be introducing running groups to match and train all needs and abilities.
Together we can share our goals and celebrate our success.
Our first challenge is for the already regular runners out there….
Being part of a running community can inspire, motivate and take care of you
Taking on the challenge of the ‘Couch to 5k’ with us will help boost your confidence and self-belief, as you prove to yourself that you can set yourself a target and achieve a goal.
It will also give you regular contact with a group of members who are going through the plan with you and, crucially, understand what and how you are feeling. We will chat every week about runs, diets, the ups, and the downs.
During these times I think we will all appreciate weekly chats and giggles. This running group will not only enable you to achieve a goal but will also bring us together, support one another, and feel part of a little running community that cares.
What is Couch to 5K?
Our ‘Couch to 5k’ plan has been adapted, developed, and simplified to help everyone to enjoy the experience and, of course, to succeed!
The plan originates from an American runner called Josh Clark, who developed the idea over 2 decades ago to help skeptical, would-be runners, including his 50-something Mum to get off the couch and get moving.
Since then the ‘Couch to 5k’ schedule has become one of the world’s most popular exercise programmes. Millions of people around the world have followed the plan, succeeded, and carried on developing a regular running habit.
How does the ‘Couch to 5k’ work?
One of the biggest challenges a new runner faces is not knowing how or where to start. ‘Surely you just run??’
Often when trying to get into a new form of exercise, we often overdo it, feel deflated and give up when we’re only just getting started. The ‘Couch to 5k’ works because it starts with a mix of running and walking to gradually build up your fitness and stamina.
Our ‘Couch to 5k’ programme will give you support, motivation and encouragement. Although you will be, initially, running by yourself, we will have regular virtual meetings and celebrate successes, discuss barriers and chat about the pleasure and the pain. You will feel part of a supportive community where we will all want everyone to succeed!
Our ‘Couch to 5k’ is for everyone! Whether you’ve never run before or if you just want a new goal, the Couch to 5k is an easy way to get fitter and healthier.
What are the benefits?
There are so many benefits to running. The most obvious is that it’s an easy way of improving your physical health.
Running requires little equipment. However, a good pair of running shoes that suit your foot type may improve comfort
Running regularly will improve the health and efficiency of your heart and lungs
Combined with a healthy diet it can help you lose weight
Running can help to increase bone density, which can help to protect against bone diseases like osteoporosist
Running regularly can also be a great stress reliever and has been shown to combat stress and anxiety
If you are interested in joining our running club, please complete the form below and we'll add you to our mailing list.